Arci are best used against infantry units, especially in groups. With the longest range of any archer unit (with the exception of Hades' Gastraphetoros) they can pick off infantry units further away than other ranged units, making it even more difficult for them to close the gap. However, they are fragile and can quickly be killed by units that can quickly get close to them, such as cavalry. They are also vulnerable to units that specialize in countering ranged soldiers, like the Huskarl, Slinger, or Wuzu Javelineer.
Mythology[]
“
All Atlantean citizens were practiced in the use of at least one weapon. Those who showed skill with ranged weapons - slings, bows, javelins - were called into the ranks of the Arcus. The Atlantean Arci were the first effective military use of ranged foot soldiers. Slings eventually fell into disuse and javelins became more feasibly wielded from horseback. the focused and deadly Arcus that emerged over time was a master of the bow and any number of Arci fielded in battle gave their opposition great pause.
”
—In-game help section
Arcus Hero[]
“
Ranged Soldier, Hero. Good against infantry and myth units.
”
—In-game description
Like all Atlantean human units, an Arcus can be converted into a hero at any time, provided the player has sufficient resources. It is classified as both a hero and an archer.
Special ability[]
Sacred Hands (Passive): Can pick up Relics and deposit them at a Temple.
Further statistics[]
God bonuses[]
Gaia: Regenerate 1 hit point per second when on Lush.
Arci have 6 pierce attack, 60 hit points, a 0.9× multiplier vs. Raiding Cavalry, and train in 12 seconds.
Arcus Heroes have 15% hack armor, a 6× multiplier vs. Myth units, 5× vs. Animals of Set, and 0.9× vs. Raiding Cavalry. They cost 100 wood, 60 gold, 3 favor and 3 population, 3.75 speed, and have 22 Line of Sight.
Arci have 5 pierce attack, 65 hit points, a 1.25× multiplier vs. Infantry and none vs. Raiding Cavalry, and train in 16 seconds.
Arcus Heroes have 6 pierce attack, 5% hack armor, a 5.5× multiplier vs. myth units, 1.25× vs. infantry, and no multipliers vs. Animals of Set or Raiding Cavalry. They cost 105 wood, 60 gold, 2 favor and 2 population.
The Arcus Hero's attack tag is positioned at 40% (of the animation percentage time), whilst its normal variant has its attack tag at 70%, so the Arcus Hero will attack faster when attacking a new target.
The Arcus is one of the four true foot archers, alongside the Greek Toxotes, the Norse Bogsveigir, and the Chinese Chu Ko Nu.